US Bridges

KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Rvr

Fair

Harlan County, Kentucky · 1.8 MI W of JCT Ky 1601 · Structure no. 048B00128N

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
222 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,003
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Rvr is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Rvr in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 5,003 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,003 by 2043. The structure is 222 ft (67.7 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-38
CrossesClover Fk Cumberland Rvr
Location1.8 MI W of JCT Ky 1601
RouteState Highway 38
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.85861, -83.25056
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating33.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length222 ft (67.7 m)
Longest span95 ft (29 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,003 (2023)
Projected traffic5,003 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Rvr built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Rvr in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Rvr carry?

About 5,003 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Rvr?

The structure is 222 ft (67.7 m) long with a longest span of 95 ft (29 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Rvr?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.